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Academic Year 2005/2006

The Treason of the Intellectuals: Power, Ethics, and Cultural Production
HIST 382 FA
Crosslistings:
COL 291

In his 1928 essay Julian Benda railed against the "treason" of the European intellectual establishment who abandoned disinterested intellectual activity in favor of political and nationalist engagement.  In this course we will explore the relation of intellectuals to politics and the ethical ramifications thereof.  Beginning with the Dreyfus Affair the course will emphasize political involvement in France and Germany and focus on the relationship between political action and intellectual and cultural production.  Figures to be considered are: Emile Zola, Julian Benda, Maurice Blanchot, Robert Brasillach, Albert Camus, Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, Maurice Merlean-Ponty, and Raymond Aron.

MAJOR READINGS

Raymond Aron, THE OPIUM OF THE INTELLECTUALS
Simone de Beauvoir, THE MANDARINS
Julian Benda, THE TREASON OF THE INTELLECTUALS
Michael Burns, FRANCE AND THE DREYFUS AFFAIR
Albert Camus, THE PLAGUE
David Carroll, FRENCH LITERARY FASCISM
Tony Judt, PAST-IMPERFECT
Jean-Paul Sartre, DIRTY HANDS

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

One short theme paper and one research paper. At least one in class presentation.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

Class attendance and active participation are essential to pass this course.

COURSE FORMAT: Seminar

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: SBS HIST    Grading Mode: Student Option   

Prerequisites: NONE Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-30-2006

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